Tony An

Tony An
University of Pennsylvania
Computer Scienc
Sophomore
Ridgewood, NJ

My name is Tony Jongyoon An and I am a rising junior at the University of Pennsylvania in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. I am pursuing a major in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics with the goal of entering the robotics/tech industry as a software engineer/product manager.

In this role, I would like to explore how the automation of processes and advances in interfaces for humans can increase efficiency, cut costs, and improve quality control. While I do have a goal for the future of creating automated robots that can adapt and cooperate with one another without the need for constant human oversight, my core objective is to be at the forefront of the various technological dvancements of the 21st century.

While my affinity for Computer Science and product development is rooted in my passion for transforming ideas into tangible products, I am just as passionate about empowering the next generation of underprivileged Asian American students looking to enter the workforce. The quote, “Talent is equally distributed, but opportunities are not” fuels my ambition. Although we see specific industries such as the tech industry largely dominated by Asian Americans, upper-level, managerial positions are rarely filled by the minority, a phenomenon that has been termed as the bamboo ceiling. If I have the opportunity to hold an upper-level, managerial position at work, I want to equip the future generation of Asian American students with the mentorship and resources necessary to succeed in school, navigate the career industry, and break through the bamboo ceiling.

Extracurricularly, I enjoy practicing Taekwondo, playing basketball, creating music, and teaching in these different mediums that I am passionate about!